Wakefield Wildcats' future as a Super League club has been thrown into doubt after plans for a new stadium were rejected by council chiefs.

The Wildcats had been one of 14 clubs handed three-year, top-flight licences for 2009 onwards.

But that was a borderline call and this news will anger Widnes Vikings and Leigh Centurions, two National League sides rejected by the RFL.

Wakefield Council threw out proposals for a community stadium in Thornes Park saying it "would be difficult to deliver both from a cost of £60million and an end date beyond that of the Super League requirements for a licence after 2012".

And RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis added: "For clubs who have ambitions for new stadiums, they need to ensure by 2010, when the next licence application process starts, that they are more than just plans."